In pictures: Central Europe floods

Images from Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic which are on high states of alert following some of the worst flooding in recent years.

Rising river waters caused by days of torrential rain continue to cause havoc to bankside cities and towns across central Europe.

Cities in the south and east of Germany - such as here in Pirna - are on high alert as rivers, including the Elbe, continue to swell.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel toured the affected area on Tuesday and pledged 100m euros (£78m; $130m) in emergency aid.

Flood waters in the Bavarian town of Passau on Monday reached levels not seen since the 16th Century.

The waters in Passau have now begun to recede - offering a glimpse of the major clean-up operation ahead for all the affected areas.

A nationwide state of alert remains in place in the Czech Republic. Towns and cities close to Germany are still at great risk as floodwaters move north.

Falling river levels in the Czech capital Prague may have reduced the threat to the city's historic buildings, but not everywhere has been so lucky. The zoo, seen here, was flooded and its animals had to be moved to higher ground.

People in Austria are also watching anxiously - hoping their mobile flood defences will hold back the swell of the River Danube.